Tuesday held an opportunity for reporters to take a ‘hot lap’ on Belle Isle where the race will be taking place the weekend of June 3-5.

“What’s the key to taking the turns like this?” asked WWJ’s Sandra McNeill.

“It’s all about balance,” said French driver Simon Pagenaud in a Chevy SS. “Balancing the car …”

Going speeds as fast as 120 mph on the track with tires squealing around the turns — adrenaline was pumping.

The hot lap gives reporters a first-hand glimpse of racing from inside the car and drivers a glimpse of the course ahead of the race.

“Bumpy …. and the walls are very close to each other, when you are driving — on the ragged edge all the time … we brake very late, we corner very fast, there is no extra time for breathing,” said Pagenaud.

“We’ve been pretty hot lately — we have two second place and three wins in a row, so we are leading the championship by quite a few.”